Framing and Roofing

S1 E3: Kevin visits green architect Eric Corey Freed to discuss the environmental differences between using wood and steel for the post-and-beam structure of his new home. As Eric explains, there are actually pros and cons to each. Because there is a large amount of energy that goes into the processing of steel, and because wood is a renewable resource, he often chooses to use wood. However, steel can be a good alternative if you need its strength and span. In earthquake-prone California, strength and span is exactly what Kevin is looking for to secure his straw bales. Although wood is often considered a greener choice, because of the size of the home, this project would require more wood than a regular house, as well as huge beams from old growth trees to get the same sturdiness that steel will supply. Weighing all the factors, Kevin decides on a steel structure.